Good Night, and Good Luck ...

It is with a great deal of sadness that I write this post. After nearly two years of hard work, dedication, desperation, being broke and living with my mother, Jon and I have finally decided we've done all we can do. Today, we closed the books on Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub and she will remain, at least for now, "the greatest pub that never was."

It seems as though the cards, chips and everything else was stacked against us. Although there were moments of hope and rejuvenation, the general cycle was one step forward, ten steps backward. We have done everything we knew to do, and everything that was asked of us. In the end, the price of the building, the structure of the finances and the terms of the loan were just not coming together.

Jon and I have tried to keep this dream alive, but also recognize that knowing when to walk away can be a good business decision. We both have full time positions here now, and will hunker down for the winter, save some money, pay off some bills and start fresh in the spring with a new plan (to be developed over the winter).

Thanks to all of you that supported us, believed in us and gave in any way to the dream. We have learned so much through this experience about business, marriage, friendship and family. We could not have gotten this far without the people in our lives.

So, as I'm packing up all the files, drawings, bids, etc. this will probably also be the last entry on this blog before it drifts into oblivion. We leave you with this Irish saying:

"Always remember to forget the things that made you sad
But never forget to remember the things that made you glad
Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue
But don't forget to remember those that have stuck by you"

I don't know ... do you know?

Hey there friends and weird people that for some reason are following the sporadic nature of this blog. I have not been diligent in the posting of new information, because it's difficult to determine what is "propriatary" information. The DL is that Jon and I have no idea what's really going on. We have full support from the bank and the community. We do not, and have not had the support from Mark and Tim. Some of you may know who they are -- for the rest of you, they are the current owners of the building we want to purchase. They have in the past also been our "partners" and collaborators on this project, but are no more for reasons I don't want to spend my time explaining. We offered them a fair price on the building, and have not heard any response from them. In a nutshell, Jon and I are getting impatient. We are starting to discuss different paths but haven't settled on anything solid. Except that we love wine.

IN ANY EVENT! We will be in Knoxville for the Brewer's Jam in October. It will be the 2 year anniversary of our wedding ... so buy us a beer if you see us. Cheers!

Fasten your seatbelts ....

Looks like, after months of negotiating, waiting, and frustrating - we are finally making some progress. Keep your fingers crossed and check back frequently. The building may be ours by as early as August 18th, construction to commence shortly after and Grace O'Malley's finally brought to life!

Additions to the bar

Here are the most recent additions to the bar. It is obviously still under construction while we continue to work finding it a home in Winona.

Weekend at Charlies

Jon and I have just returned from a "quick" jaunt to Charles' house to continue building our bar. The drive is about 5 1/2 hours across the state of Wisconsin nearly to the upper peninsula of Michigan. There isn't an interstate within 2 hours drive of his house, and when you finally reach it, you just drive under it. Though there are a couple of stretches of four lane highway that moves nicely, it's mostly two lanes through National Forests and tiny towns. It can be a beautiful drive, but it's can also be mind-numbing. But it pays off in the end - we've never been sorry to have made the trip - to work on the bar or otherwise.

The bar is coming along quite nicely to say the least. Charles mentioned that he is surprising himself with his talent - I knew he had it in him. But to think he is building an 18" front bar and a 12" back bar - both of which must be transported 5 1/2 hours back across the state of Wisconsin to their resting place, it's an amazing feat.

He had already built the majority of the back bar before we arrived so our work was pretty much just sanding and staining. On Sunday we put the back bar together so Charles could continue working on the top portion (which is obviously absent from the photos). We are planning on putting three sections of stained glass across the top (which he is building) and mirrors between each section. All in all, we are thrilled with the progress and can't wait to see it all together.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Open House Success

On St. Patrick's Day, we had an open house at the building where our pub is supposed to be located. We had a great turn out - approximately 70 people stopped by to say hi and celebrate with us - we'd like to thank you all for coming and supporting us. Hey, even the mayor was there!

Of course I couldn't have done it all without my friend Catherine who spent her entire Spring Break week helping me get everything ready. She shopped with me, made displays, mounted pictures ... you name it, she helped with it. My dad drove up from Madison just to be there and my brother brought his three daughters, who certainly added life and laughter to the group! My mother was also there meeting and greeting with the best of them.

We had displays that told about Grace O'Malley, the pub, our proposed menu items and the like. Our goal was to offer people an insight into what we are doing and an opportunity to ask questions and see the space. All in all I think it was a success. To those of you that were not able to make it, you were with us in thought and spirit! I'm told there were a lot of pictures taken, and when they make their way back to me, I will do my best to post them here.

Hopefully by next year you will all be able to celebrate with us properly in an "open-for-business" establishment! Only 360 days til St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Here's to all of you, far and wide. Hope you all have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day. This is the toast Jon is planning on giving at our Open House tonight.

"Here's to old friends,
and to new friends
and to those we hold dear.
May your travels always be downhill
and may you always return here."

Have a great one. Slainte!